Environment watchdogs have launched an investigation after a brook in Barlestone was found to be contaminated.

The small stream to the north of the village has been polluted by an “agricultural source”, the Environment Agency said.

A public right of way near the stream was temporarily closed on Thursday while water tests were carried out.

The Environment Agency also warned dog owners to keep their pets away from the brook.

The area has since reopened and tests showed the risk to human and animal health is “very low”, but the water may still contain traces of pollutant.

Emma Roberts, operations manager from the Environment Agency, said: “We’ve been responding to a pollution on the brook that runs though Barlestone.

“We’ve tested the water and pollution appears to have come from an agricultural source.

“Last week as a precaution, we worked with Leicestershire County Council and temporarily closed the nearby public rights of way while we waited for the results of our tests.

“The public rights of way are now open as the risk to human and animal health is very low, though traces of the pollutant may still be evident in the brook. We’ve been on site a number of times and we’ve observed no environmental impacts from the pollution.

“However, if anyone see any signs of a pollution or fish in distress in the area, please call our 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060.”